Wrapping Up A Week

Hello, my friends. Here we are again on a Friday. Time is flying so quickly anymore, I can hardly keep up! How are we entering the second half of January when I was planning Thanksgiving dinner yesterday?? In any case, we are helpless to stop it, so we might as well enjoy it. This week was a relatively quiet one here, with one exception. Little Mocha had to have a dental procedure to remove more of her teeth. This time, the vet removed eight teeth and also did a chest X-ray of her. She has been wheezing recently, and the X-ray showed some activity that could be bronchial in origin. So, she is on an antibiotic and medication for her mouth. I am having flashbacks to those days of the sticky pink liquid and bribes, if you know what I mean! 

She was a little uncomfortable the first day or two,

But soon enough, she felt better, and these two were back up to their antics.

Rhett and Kyrstin went up to Pennsylvania this week. First stop? The Steeler playoff game on Monday night!

The game started off great, and then? Not so much. Maybe next year! They also spent a day with Peyton and Chris at the skating rink, followed by lunch at Longhorn Steakhouse. I can remember Rhett and Peyton sitting at our kitchen table after lunch on homeschool days, playing Battleship. Years later, they still enjoy spending lunchtime together! 

Our favorite meals this week were two old-time ones. 

Sloppy Joes

Servings: 4-6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb. lean ground beef

• 2 T. Worcestershire sauce

• 2 T. mustard

• ½ C. ketchup

• 2 T. vinegar

• 2 T. sugar

• 4-6 hamburger rolls

• American cheese slices (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, lightly fry the

ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

2. Make the Sauce: Add the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup,

vinegar, and sugar to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir well to combine all

the ingredients.

3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15

minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld

together. If desired, mix in American cheese slices until melted and well

incorporated.

4. Serve: Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto hamburger rolls. Serve hot.

Taco Pie

8-oz. tube refrigerated crescent rolls

1 cup tortilla chips, crushed and divided

1lb. ground beef

1 onion, chopped

8-oz. can tomato sauce

1-¼ oz. pkg. taco seasoning mix

3 T. sour cream

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

Separate crescent rolls and line an ungreased 9" pie plate with them; press together to form a pie crust. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup crushed tortilla chips and set aside. Brown ground beef and onion in a skillet; drain. Add tomato sauce and taco seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes. Pour into the pie plate. Spread sour cream over top; sprinkle with cheese and remaining chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

With this, I double it and bake it in a 13x9 dish. 

And for lunch this week?

I've been enjoying this arugula salad. And yes. I eat on the job. : )

Arugula Salad

And finally, tomorrow marks one year since my dear momma passed. I miss her so much every single day. My sister asked me to write something for the local paper. This is what I wrote for my mom.

Have a lovely weekend, my friends. See you back here Monday. Thanks for visiting!

Billie Jo